Supporting your school

Maintaining a good working relationship with the school is key to a PTA’ s success, but sometimes there can be misunderstandings over what a PTA can or cannot do, or what a school can or cannot make decisions on. This can cause confusion and sometimes even disputes, so we’ ve answered some of your frequently asked questions on the subject

Our school doesn ' t understand what we’ re there to do, how do we explain?

It might seem like a basic question, but we often hear of PTAs and schools butting heads over what a PTA is actually there to do.

To put it simply, a PTA works to make their school a better environment for the pupils to learn in. But that isn’ t just about raising money – remind the school that you ' re also there to:

• Provide educational equipment and experiences for pupils

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• Break down barriers to help parents get involved with school life

• Strengthen the school community

• Help to market and advocate for the school

• Encourage a wide and representative range of parents, carers and other interested parties to become involved in the school

• Provide opportunities for volunteering

• And so much more!

Clear and regular communication is important. Consider running a

PARENTKIND. ORG AUTUMN / WINTER 2025 mini campaign to raise your PTA’ s profile, introduce yourselves to staff, bust some myths and set up some meetings. Ask the school what they need and if they have any questions for you. If you’ re still struggling, contact our Community Advisers – while they can’ t offer a mediation service, they can set up a meeting for you and the school to discuss the value of your PTA.